The Making of a Little Empress
Updates on the Development and Health of Ashilyn
Two Month Check Up:
Ashilyn is 11 pounds, 12 oz and 22 1/2 inches long. Her bout with feeding issues has not effected her growth.
We mentioned to her pediatrician that her breathing sounds odd. Last week, we noticed that what we thought was an infant reflex to being startled was happening when she was still and things were quiet. My husband realised that she was missing breaths as well. The doctor was able to hear the breathing since she was doing that at his office. He did not like what he was hearing so he has referred us to a specialist to have tests run. He also wants Ashilyn on an apnea monitor.
Her tummy troubles have improved. She is refusing supplemental bottles and for the past few days, she has only received one with formula a day. This makes work very difficult. For the time being, I am stepping out of the office to nurse her. I will be cutting back on my days at work. Hopefully I will find a pump that works well for me. She is digesting her breastmilk much better with only a little spit up and one watery stool a
day. I
Yep, I have a high needs baby....someone send the Calgon. I need to cherish the
gift that has been given to me and do whatever it takes to keep her healthy. I
do have the additional benefit of a Snugli carrier that someone gave me. My
husband figured the contraption out and now I can keep the baby close where she
is happiest and have free hands.
Two Months:
I had an appointment to have blood drawn. I have successfully followed the diet and taken my vitamins and iron. My count is up!! I planned to continue with the formula supplements but with a bottle or two less a day.
Ashilyn began refusing bottles of formula in the middle of the week. The pumps I have don't express enough milk to fill a bottle for a feeding so my life has become hectic as I attempt to meet my baby's needs and still manage our home and work. By the weekend, when she did take formula, her stomach would not tolerate it.
She was receiving some Pedialyte rather than formula to prevent dehydration as I worked on increasing my milk supply enough to offer my daughter breast milk exclusively.
Tired as we are, she rewards our efforts with her latest skill of smiling and laughing. We also enjoy watching her lay in her portable bassinette where she babbles to the toy animals that hang from the bar.
2 Week Checkup:
Ashilyn is 8 pounds, 8 oz and 21 inches long!
She is to be scheduled for an MRI at Children's Hospital to determine if the curve of her spine will be a problem in her future. The first MRI did not give a reading so we need to get it done at a facility that specializes in children's medical needs. She will also be seeing a neurologist. She is moving her arms and legs and is very responsive so at this point, it seems like it's more a precautionary test.
2 Weeks:
I went in to have my blood drawn and discovered why I have not been feeling well. My iron level dropped.
I was advised to have help with the baby and my diet was examined. It was also advised that I continue to give her supplements rather than attempt to drop bottles for nursings. By the time I got home from that appointment, I was shaking with chills and needed help in getting out of the car. I spent the weekend at my parents' home so we could have help with the baby.
1 Week:
Ashilyn is a demanding little creature who insists on having things done her way. This includes her breastfeeding position and latch. She is not latching on properly and I am feeling the effects of that. I have chosen to give us both a break from stress and pain for me. I have taken a three day break and given her formula in a bottle.